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Second Martin Fowler actor James Alexandrou breaks silence on character’s tragic death with savage swipe

EASTENDERS alum James Alexandrou has responded to Martin Fowler’s tragic death with a savage swipe.

James, 39, played the beloved character from 1996 until 2007 – taking over from Jon Peyton Price.

James Alexandrou at the press night of Fatal Attraction.
Getty
James Alexandrou has reacted after Martin Fowler’s death in EastEnders[/caption]
James Alexandrou in EastEnders.
BBC
He was the second actor to play Martin; appearing from 1996 to 2007[/caption]
Martin Fowler lying down next to a woman.
BBC
Martin Fowler was killed off in the 40th anniversary live episode[/caption]

Viewers were heartbroken after Martin tragically died in the BBC soap’s 40th Anniversary live episode.

Meanwhile, James took to social media to acknowledge his former alter-ego’s passing.

He joked in his Instagram story: “Somehow reckon I’ll still be asked ‘When are you going back to EastEnders?’

James accompanied this message with a snap of Martin’s death scene.

Meanwhile, James Bye had played Martin from 2014 until the character’s demise.

Walford’s first baby born died as a hero following the Queen Vic facing a huge explosion.

He stayed behind in the aftermath to rescue beloved ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

Disaster struck, however, when a steel bar fell and crushed Martin’s legs.

Much of the live episode focused on paramedics attempting to help the fruit and veg stall holder.

After being given morphine by paramedics while firefighters tried to lift the beam, Martin and Stacey had a final conversation.

He proposed to her, declaring that he loved her – all of her.

As they spoke about their lives and futures – in or away from Walford, Stacey realised something was wrong.

Stacey couldn’t bring herself to tell Martin what was happening, but he realised.

He decided to tell her what he’d say at their wedding, telling her: “No pressure but I have loved this woman since the very first moment I saw her. 

“I thought she was the sexiest thing I’ve ever clapped my eyes on. It’s alway been Stace because she feels like home and adventure wrapped into one. 

“I know that this time and we are going to be in here in the Vic celebrating our anniversary in 40 years time.”

She begged him to hold on and they kissed before emergency services began to lift the beam.

EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far

With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?

Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.

Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.

Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.

Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.

Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.

Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.

Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.

Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.

Martin told Stacey: “It’s going to be alright.”

Tragically, Martin suffered a cardiac arrest and died leaving Stacey screaming in devastation.

How will Albert Square move forward after losing a pillar of the community?

EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.

Screenshot of a social media post with a question about returning to Eastenders, and a blurry blue image of a person.
Instagram
James Alexandrou reacted to his former character’s death[/caption]
James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler in EastEnders, sitting at a kitchen table.
BBC
James Bye took over the role in 2014[/caption]

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‘Love this look’ say Maura Derrane’s fans as RTE star rocks bargain blazer on Today that’s ideal for the office

RTE star Maura Derrane has wowed fans after she stepped out on air in a bargain look that is ideal for your next office outift.

The popular presenter was back on Today alongside her usual co-host Daithi O Se for another jam-packed episode of fashion, cooking and chat.

Woman in green blazer and beige pants on a red carpet.
Instagram
Maura stepped out on air yesterday in a bargain blazer[/caption]
Screenshot of two people on a TV show, standing in front of a "Today" logo.
Instagram
Maura took to social media to share outfit details with fans[/caption]

Maura is renowned for her chic and classy outfits on air and yesterday’s look was no different.

The 54-year-old often posts to her Instagram to share a snap of her stunning work looks.

The mum-of-one looked fabulous as she posed on set in the RTE studios.

The Galway beauty stepped out in a chic number as she wore a green blazer complete with a waist coat.

The bargain single breasted piece was from Penneys where it retails for just €25.

Maura paired the blazer and waistcoat with some wide-leg cream jeans.

She picked up the trousers from a boutique that frequents her wardrobe, Pia Margot.

The beautiful pants feature a four-button closure at the front and are made of a stretch fabric.

They currently retail on Pia Margot’s website for €70.

Maura captioned her stylish post: “Ready to go #feelgoodfriday.”

Friends and fans raced to the presenter’s comment section to gush over her fashion sense.

Ally said: “Love this look on you.”

Noreen remarked: “Absolutely gorgeous Maura.”

BARGAIN BUY

Another fan added: “Maura, so beautiful! The colours really suit you.”

Yesterday, Maura sent her fans wild with her spring look that was also from Pia Margot.

She looked ready for spring as she donned a bright peach coloured blouse from Pia Margot.

The stunning shirt has a super refined vintage look with a cute ruffled triangular detail at the chest and frills along the hem.

BEST VALUE

The sleeves were slightly bulky and decorated with pleats giving a lot of charm to the retro blouse.

And those looking to emulate Maura’s fabulous shirt don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

The Sara Blouse currently retails for just €25 on their website – talk about a bargain.

The TV star opted to style her adorable look with a simple pair of black straight leg jeans and her favourite brown suede boots.

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Giants’ Justin Verlander reveals eye-opening Nolan Ryan motivation

Justin Verlander turned 42 years old on Thursday, which for many athletes, would signal that a turbulent season lies ahead. A 5.48 ERA in 17 starts in 2024 seemingly supports that notion. Though, the three-time Cy Young and 2011 MVP is not ready to slow down. As he gets set for his 20th MLB campaign, […]

The post Giants’ Justin Verlander reveals eye-opening Nolan Ryan motivation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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2025 Champions League picks, predictions after Round of 16 draw

The 2025 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is upon us, and after the inaugural season of the next UCL format, we are finally in a familiar spot with the Round of 16 draw and the bracket going forward. So, who takes home the biggest prize in European football this year? Here are our Champions […]

The post 2025 Champions League picks, predictions after Round of 16 draw appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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NHL rumors: Kraken could have a fire sale ahead of trade deadline

The Seattle Kraken are fading away in the Western Conference playoff race, and currently sit a full 11 points back of the final wildcard berth with 25 games left. As the campaign continues to go off the rails in the Emerald City, the Kraken could completely shake up the roster before the March 7 NHL […]

The post NHL rumors: Kraken could have a fire sale ahead of trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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White Sox fans ticked over re-signing Mike Clevinger

The Chicago White Sox have sparked fan outrage after re-signing pitcher Mike Clevinger for a third straight year. Despite his history of underperformance and off-field issues, they continue to bring him back. Fans, already upset by offseason moves, are questioning the decision to bring Clevinger back, even on a minor league deal. With this minor […]

The post White Sox fans ticked over re-signing Mike Clevinger appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Bears make 2 attention-catching roster moves

With the NFL free agency period beginning March 12 at 4 p.m. EST, the Chicago Bears must make roster cuts to free up room on their salary cap. The Bears’ first two roster moves came on Friday, with the releases of two veterans starting with Gerald Everett, per Ari Meirov on X. “The #Bears informed […]

The post Bears make 2 attention-catching roster moves appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Scots music icon Lulu shocks fans with ‘long time coming’ announcement

LULU is preparing to launch a new podcast as the iconic music star revealed it has been a “long time coming”.

The singer-songwriter, 76, has shared tasters of her conversations on the upcoming series.

Lulu performing at Glastonbury Festival.
Getty
Lulu has confirmed she is set to release a new podcast series[/caption]
The Lulu Podcast: Turning Points episode graphic.
Instagram/lulukc
The legendary singer-songwriter has an all-star list of guests[/caption]

In her Turning Points podcast, she said she has always “wondered what makes people tick” after more than six decades in the music industry.

Among the celebrities she will speak to are Succession star Brian Cox, pop legend Boy George, and Four Weddings and a Funeral actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas.

She will also chat to Saltburn and Withnail and I actor Richard E. Grant, US singer John Legend, and American TV personality Michelle Visage.

Lulu said she has been “interviewed up the wazoo” for decades and has been asked the “same old things”.

She added that she wants to “go deeper” and “unpick the seams” of their lives and careers.

On her Instagram page earlier today, she wrote: “It’s been a long time coming but I’m thrilled to say that my new podcast is ready to drop.”

Her post has attracted dozens of encouraging comment from her fans.

One wrote: “Aww so excited for this Lulu.”

Another commented: “Sounds very cool, to hear about the person behind the art and learn about their journey.”

A third said: “Wow.”

The first episode will be available to listen to on Wednesday.

Lulu at the Attitude Awards 2024.
Splash
Lulu said she wants to “unpick the seams” of her guests lives and careers[/caption]

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TVLine Items: Hawkeye Vet Joins Daredevil, The Quiz With Balls Renewed and More

Daredevil: Born Again is bringing in a familiar face from the MCU. Tony Dalton, who played Jack Duquesne (aka The Swordsman) in the Hawkeye series, will reprise his role for Disney+’s upcoming Daredevil continuation, our sister site Variety reports. He will appear in two installments. On Hawkeye, Duquesne was engaged to Kate Bishop’s (Hailee Steinfeld) […]

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During the war my brother was sunk 3 times & inspired Only Fools’ Uncle Albert… we didn’t learn truth until his funeral

TO millions of Only Fools And Horses fans, Del Boy and Rodney’s Uncle Albert was the Royal Navy’s unlucky Jonah.

Captain Birdseye lookalike Albert Gladstone Trotter, played by Buster Merryfield, served on seven ships in World War Two — all of which sank.

Three men from *Only Fools and Horses* eating seafood at a seaside stall.
BBC
Uncle Albert from Only Fools and Horses was based on a real naval hero who survived three wartime sinkings, each with heavy loss of life[/caption]
Black and white photo of Harry Ward in a Royal Navy uniform.
The Uncle Albert character was based on naval hero Petty Officer Cook Thomas Henry Ward, who was known as Harry
Arthur Edwards / The Sun
Photo of HMS Gossamer, a ship sunk by the German Navy.
HMS Gossamer, one of the ships Harry served on that was sunk
Arthur Edwards / The Sun

Uncle Albert came into the show in the fourth series as a replacement for Del and Rodney’s beloved Grandad — but he was not dreamt up from nowhere by creator John Sullivan.

The Sun can reveal he was based on a real-life naval hero who survived after three of the ships he served on during the war all sank, with the loss of many lives.

Petty Officer Cook Thomas Henry Ward, known as Harry, who won the Distinguished Service Medal for saving the life of an officer at Dunkirk, has been unmasked as the inspiration behind Uncle Albert.

Albert is even seen borrowing his catchphrase, “During the war . . .”, to start his service stories.

Harry’s sister, Doreen Simson, who will be part of this year’s celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, told The Sun: “Uncle Albert was based on my brother.

“After the war, Harry joined the BBC and worked with John Sullivan, who created all of his characters from real people.

“Harry told John all about his exploits in the war and how three ships he was on went down. Two of them sank in the Arctic.

“Our parents were told he was dead, presumed drowned, but later I watched him come down the street, large as life, with his kit bag over his shoulder, just like Uncle Albert.”

Harry, the eldest of seven children brought up in West London, was born in 1920 — the same year as the fictitious Albert Trotter.

As a child, Harry taught himself to swim in the Grand Union Canal — a skill that would later save his life.

Just like Uncle Albert, Harry was 17 when he joined the Royal Navy. By May 1940, he was serving as a cook aboard the minesweeper HMS Gossamer.

Harry’s ship was sent as part of the Operation Dynamo flotilla to help evacuate 338,000 British troops stranded at Dunkirk.

The Gossamer made six trips to the shore and rescued more than 3,000 men.

During the chaos off the French coast, Harry’s ship came alongside destroyer HMS Wakeful, which had picked up 640 soldiers before being hit by two torpedoes fired from a German E-boat.

The stricken ship split in two and the bow sank immediately. Only four soldiers and 25 crew survived.

Military records show that the crew of HMS Gossamer rescued a handful of survivors.

Harry bravely saved the life of a Lieutenant ­Commander who was drowning, for which he received the Distinguished Service Medal from King George VI at the palace.

‘His nickname was Jonah’

Doreen, 87, of Crawley, West Sussex, says: “Somehow or other, Harry got a ribbon from the hat of one of the sailors from HMS Wakeful, which he always kept, and now I’ve got it.”

Two years later, HMS Gossamer was on the Arctic convoy routes protecting ships taking supplies to the Russians against enemy U-boats.

On June 24, 1942, the minesweeper was moored at the Kola inlet in northern Russia when she was sunk by a bomb during a German air attack.

Three officers were killed and 12 ratings were reported missing. Twenty crew members survived but suffered wounds.

The ship carrying those survivors was also attacked and sank. By this time, Harry had switched to another minesweeper, HMS Leda, on the Arctic convoy.

But at 5.30am on September 20, 1942, Harry was preparing breakfasts when two torpedoes fired from a 435 U-boat scored direct hits.

Harry was posted missing. But after the war was over, I saw him coming across the road carrying his kit bag. We all thought he’d been lost at sea.

Doreen Simson, Harry’s sister

A column of smoke shot out of her funnel and the ship began to sink.

It took an hour and a half for the Leda to go under. All 86 crew, including Harry, got off by jumping into the water, though six would later die of hypothermia.

Doreen says: “When the Leda sank, apparently Harry swam over to a merchant ship and later that sank as well. His nickname was Jonah.

“On the next boat he got to, they joked, ‘Don’t come on our ship, find somewhere else’.”

Smiling woman in green sweater speaking at the Albert Hall.
Arthur Edwards / The Sun
Harry’s sister Doreen Simson only found out that he was the inspiration for Uncle Albert after her sibling died[/caption]
Black and white photo of a group of people on a boat, with one man circled.
Harry in his cook’s white shirt, circled, on board a Royal Navy ship in the Atlantic

The War Office sent a telegram to his mother, Nellie, a BBC cleaner, and dad Harry, a fish seller at Harrods, informing them that their eldest son had been posted as missing.

By then, Doreen, who was four, and her nine-year-old brother Dennis, had been evacuated from London during the Blitz to live with families in Wales.

She says: “Harry was posted missing. But after the war was over, I saw him coming across the road carrying his kit bag.

“We all thought he’d been lost at sea. He said he lived because he was a strong swimmer.”

After surviving two Arctic sinkings, Harry served on a number of other ships.

He stayed on after the war ended and served 18 months aboard the fleet aircraft carrier HMS Ocean in the Mediterranean.

Harry was onboard when two British ships were sunk off Corfu in 1946, sparking the 50-year Cold War with the Soviet Union.

Petty Officer Ward finally left the Royal Navy in 1948 and, just like Uncle Albert, he was demobbed with a chest full of medals for service to King and country.

He was married to Agnes, who died in 1969 aged 46. They had no children and Harry never remarried.

When Doreen quizzed him about his life in the Navy, Harry, who died aged 90 in 2011, told her she was “being nosy”.

Crashing chandelier

After working as a painter and decorator, he landed a job at the new BBC Television Centre in White City, just down the road from his flat.

Until he was nearly 70, Harry created scenery for BBC shows, including Z-Cars and The Citadel.

In the bar of the BBC club, with a pint of Guinness and a tot of rum, he would regale his workmates with stories that began: “When I was in the war . . . ” One of those listening was John Sullivan, who worked at the time shifting props in the comedy department.

It was only when Harry died that we found out that John Sullivan had based Uncle Albert on our brother.

Plumber’s son John then turned his hand to writing sitcoms, creating Citizen Smith and Just Good Friends, which Harry worked on.

His biggest hit, Only Fools And Horses, began in 1981, starring David Jason as Del Trotter, Nicholas Lyndhurst as his brother Rodney and Lennard Pearce as Grandad.

When Lennard died in 1984, Sullivan had to urgently come up with an old member of the Trotter family who could share their flat in Nelson Mandela House.

Retired florist Doreen says: “It was only when Harry died that we found out that John had based Uncle Albert on our brother. It made sense, because John based most of his characters on people he knew.

“The famous crashing chandelier scene happened to his own father.

“Boycie was someone he’d met working in the car trade, and Del Boy was based on the market traders he saw growing up in South London as a kid.

“It’s something you do when you work with someone, you talk and talk.

“And John obviously knew all Harry’s war stories.”

When widower Harry became ill in later life, Doreen and her sisters often visited him.

She says: “One day he put his head under the blankets and said, ‘Get away, get away. None of you have got any idea what it’s like seeing your friends dying in burning oil’.

“You see, he got no counselling whatsoever. It’s just so sad.”

At Harry’s funeral, his BBC colleagues told Doreen they knew all about his past and revealed: ‘You do know Harry was Uncle Albert?’

“Harry never said anything to us. So they told me to get in touch with John and he will authenticate it.

Sadly, a few weeks later, John died, too [of pneumonia, aged 64], and I never got to speak to him.”

But in a moving tribute at his funeral, Harry’s workmates said: “Petty Officer Ward endured cold and desperate times.

“The Leda, Gossamer and Wakeful. Before he could sort out his bunk, all of them fired on, all of them sunk.”

  • Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
Black and white photo of Harry Ward working as a scene shifter at BBC Studios.
Arthur Edwards / The Sun
After leaving the Navy, Harry worked in the prop department at the BBC – where he spent time with Only Foold writer John Sullivan[/caption]
John Sullivan, creator of Only Fools and Horses.
Only Fools writer John Sullivan sadly died before Doreen had a chance to speak to him about her brother
Rex Features

VE DAY TUNES & TALES

ON May 8, the 80th anniversary of VE Day – when war in Europe ended – Doreen will be appearing on stage at the Royal Albert Hall.

She will be talking about her family and life as an evacuee after she was sent, aged four, from London to the seaside village of Borth, near Aberystwyth, with her older brother Dennis.

Doreen recalls: “My mum said that Dennis had to look after me. At Borth station I was left crying because a man took my brother and his friend Georgie West off to a farm.

“I was left on my own and then this lady said, ‘I’ll take this little girl’.

“I went into a house where these people had strange voices, not Welsh but posh accents.”

Jean Sharpe, the wife of a wealthy Midlands factory owner, lived there with her mother and two daughters.

Doreen says: “She used to take me down the country lanes and tell me the names of wild flowers.

“My evacuation shaped my life. I became a florist for over 60 years, a job I absolutely loved.”

  • VE Day 80: The Party, an evening of music and storytelling in aid of Armed Forces charity SSAFA, is at the Royal Albert Hall on May 8. See veday80.org.

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